Menu

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Maria Santos Gorrostieta Salazar; her statement

Borderland Beat

Maria's message translated below is in this video

[After the
second attempt on her life, Maria Santos Gorrostieta Salazar was interviewed by
El Universal. She was addressing critics who doubted the severity of her
injuries. As a sign of respect, I thought it would be appropriate to translate
a letter that she made public in which she explains what kept her going. I
decided to translate the entire letter instead of the abridged version most
commonly seen in news reports. She was a brave lady. -un vato]

Message to
the citizenry

There is no
doubt that life at times lacerates us with sufferings and humiliations that not
all of us are able to understand completely, many times we tend to appear
arrogant and stubborn before God's will. However, despite everything, I have
had to bear losses that I would not wish on anyone, and have had to accept them
with resignation and with the knowledge that it is our Lord's will, and have
gone on, even with a wounded soul.

I know...
that life surprises us at times, hurts us, makes us complain even about
ourselves; it is well known by those around me that my life has not been easy,
it has been permeated by sorrows and misfortune.

Despite that, and despite my
own safety and that of my family, what occupies my mind is my responsibility
towards my people, the children, the women, the elderly and the men who break
their souls every day without rest to find a piece of bread for their children.

It is a great burden to know that among my responsibilities as city mayor is
that of obtaining the benefits, the programs and the aid that I know will
represent great improvements in the economy and in the quality of life of the
people of Tiquicheo.

One of the
greatest sorrows that a human being can suffer is that of pain in the soul.
This is seldom understood by people around us because they simply have not
lived it or are indifferent to the suffering of others.

My life these past few
months has received blows that I sincerely believe I do not deserve, since my
efforts have always been focused on leading my people, my city, towards a
better quality of life, to provide them the tools that will help them face the
difficult economic situation that we are all going through.

Despite that, for
some, my efforts and dedication have not been enough and they have regretfully
celebrated the misfortunes I have suffered.

The inner strength that has moved
me to get up, even when I'm dying, has served to demonstrate and make tangible
the great commitment that I have with my ideas, my projects for the future,
and, of course for the people who witnessed my birth and for whom I will get up
however many times God allows me to, to keep on searching, scratching,
negotiating plans, projects and actions for the benefit of all of society, but,
in particular, for the vulnerable ones.

This is who I
am...

At another
stage in my life, perhaps I would have resigned from what I have, my position,
my responsibilities as the leader of my Tiquicheo. But today, no; it is not
possible for me to surrender when I have three sons, whom I have to educate by
setting an example, and also because of the memory of the man of my life, the
father of my three little ones, the one who was able to teach me the value of
things and to fight for them; and, although he is no longer with us, he
continues to be the light that guides my decisions, each of which, it goes
without saying, is dedicated to getting my city out of its backwardness.

It's true
they have attacked my physically and morally; one can still feel on my body the
wounds from the bullets and from the disbelief of some who have doubts about my
mutilated body. I struggle day to day to erase from my mind the images of the
horror I lived, and that others who did not deserve or expect it also suffered.
To them, my recognition, respect and love for the courage with which they faced
their troubles and for their unconditional support for myself and my work.

I wanted to
show them my wounded, mutilated, humiliated body, because I'm not ashamed of
it, because it is the product of the great misfortunes that have scarred my
life, that of my children and my family.

It is a living witness to the fact
that I am a woman of strength and integrity, and that, despite my wounds, both
physical and mental, I am still standing and still in the constant struggle to
become a better person and a better leader of a city that still trusts me and
expects results from its mayor.

You may ask,
what is it that so attracts Maria Santos Gorrostieta Salazar today? Where does
the power of her integrity reside, this public and political figure, from
Tiquicheo, from Michoacan, Mexican and universal: in her works, in her life, or
in her wounded body and her serene face? It is difficult to answer you from
this hemisphere of my life, however, I would point out that transgression and
resistance are conjugated in perfect harmony in my being.

Many persons
have mistakenly doubted the severity of my injuries; today, the proof is in
their hands, my mutilated body speaks for itself, evidence of how vulnerable we
are, of our life's fragility and of God's wishes, which are always present in
our daily sorrows.

To many, it
may seem an act of insolence to show my wounds such as they are, but it was
necessary because I had to give my version of the facts, what it really meant
to be attacked like that and the traces that these attacks left on me and my people.
Because everybody else could say, unsay, talk, invent, defame, except me; and
now is the time and place to do so.

What you can see doesn't need much of an
explanation; I simply want your understanding, support and consideration,
because despite the fact that I show myself as somebody strong and unbreakable,
inside of me, I am still a woman, fragile, a dreamer, a romantic, a mother, but
one thing for sure, with an unquenchable determination to continue with my
mission of service as head of this administration to which I was elected, and
to help those who have less and that still live in a state of great
vulnerability.

I firmly
believe, in fact, I am certain, that my conduct during my term as mayor has
been correct, since every one of the decisions I've made has been focused on
serving my people. If the opposite had been true, it would undoubtedly have
already been noticed. This is why I make available for anybody who wants to
look at what has been done up to now. The accounting and my conscience are clean,
the projects and actions are in plain view.

A year after
a bloody incident

Throughout
this year, I am here with an open mind and a quiet heart, several memories come
to mind that no doubt history will judge me on; all I want to say is that
walking on this rocky path has not been easy, that it has been permeated with
disappointment and despair. I'll tell you that whatever trench I get, I will
defend it with sword and cape, I am faithful to my ideals and to achieve my
conviction and my objectives, always convinced that truth and authenticity will
set us free. I am grateful with all my heart to those persons who have trusted
in my work, to my children, my mother, my brothers, friends, collaborators and
to the city that has given its unconditional support.

I have walked a long road
towards freedom, and I have tried not to hesitate. I've stumbled along the way,
but I've discovered that great secret; that after climbing a hill, one finds
that there are many more behind that. I've given myself a moment of rest to
look at the glorious landscape that surrounds me, the view back towards the
road I've traveled. But I can only rest for a moment, because freedom brings
with it responsibilities and I don't dare fall behind. My long road is not yet
finished; the footprint that we leave behind in our country depends on the
battle that we lose and the loyalty we put into it. Today, it is a privilege to be
part of the history of Tiquicheo.

With love,

Dr. Maria
Santos Gorrostieta Salazar

Below is an uplifting video of her in life conducting her duties as mayor

id say these guys were severely motivated, but for what?? because of some type of corruption, or, simply because she was an attractive woman with a bit of power. for some macho men, that is too much to bear..

what a great lady and a wonderful human being. it is regrettable that she did not call out and request outside assistance - if she knew that her life was once more in danger. May God hold her in His arms.

Wow sad she knew she was going to die it was a matter of time after everything she's been thru I assume her attitude from her poem saying god will whatever will be will be no more running, her kids now without mother or father mexico really messed up to go after women trying to stand up for people to have a better life. Where are the peoples saviors.

I can't won't speak for what Mexicans in Mexico must do but as for the USA take revenge on these cartel every chance you have. turn in all drug activities and anything related to cartel activity here in the USA.

Easier said than done.. anyone from a cartel , in the US or Mexico find out your running your mouth , you and your family are done.. People can say what they want about cartels not running shit in the US, but that's not true.. Cartels are in the US commiting crimes also.. We just don't hear it as much.. the media keeps everyone nice and cozy..

freekn assholes...one of the decent,beautiful,people of mexico gone..she had balls to stay and lead...now if only people see,admire and honor her courage they can say enough!we are not living in fear no more cartels

Chivis ... this is a personal message. I left another personal comment earlier.

Thanks for taking the time to talk more about the life of Maria Santos Gorrostieta Salazar. She was a fine lady and in some ways she becomes an ambassador (in her death) for all the good people who are victims of violence in Mexico.

Here is something that I want you to think about. Since you are undergoing treatment in the USA - you have some time to think. These moments when you step back to really consider things - they may be the most important.

It is good to write articles about people like Maria Salazar - but unfortunately it does not save their lives. How many more must die? It seems clear that she did know that there was immediate danger. Why did she just not escape?? Even if she had changed her location for a while, and gone to stay anonymously with friends in another part of Mexico ... it could well have saved her. Could it be that she just did not know a way to do this?

Give some thought to the idea of finding some pathways to keep people safe. It does not have to involve a lot of drama. It could just mean letting someone go quietly to a different place, perhaps travelling quietly in the car of a friend, and staying in a safe home. It may mean that they travel for a brief period to the USA, before going back to Mexico. Whatever the option - it is better then the terrible alternative that happened to Ms. Salazar.

This is not something you have to do alone. There will be others who can help. Not all people are intimidated by the narco's. Good people should not keep dying in this way. I am not talking about providing safety to people who have crossed the cartels in bad deals. But for honestly good people who are threatened just because they have integrity - an option should exist.

I think that if Ms. Salazar could leave a legacy - it might be that others like her could find a refuge when they need to. Keep this message private. Think and pray.Pablo, California

Who knows what you have killed?Who knows what she could have achieved?One things for a fact,she would've inspired other young women with the brains and drive to do the things that is needed in Mexico,that the stupid ass macho men won't.These are your women?Wasn't she worth saving and protecting,if she was a good person you all fucked up didn't you?

God Rest Her Soul and bring healing to her surviving family members. He life was for a reason and she is a hero.

"Whatever deeds they do-good or evil-of such they will be the heirs. And wherever the beings spring into existence, there their deeds will ripen; and wherever their deeds ripen, there they will earn the fruits of those deeds, be it in this life, or be it in the next life, or be it in any other future life." - Gautama Buddha